Shloka 21
Arjuna–Gaṇa Saṃvāda: Bāṇādhikāra, Tāpasa-veṣa, and the Ethics of Tapas (अर्जुन-गणसंवादः)
अर्जुन उवाच । शृणु भिल्ल प्रवक्ष्यामि न सत्यं तव भाषणम् । यथा जातिस्तथा त्वां च जानामि हि वनेचर
arjuna uvāca | śṛṇu bhilla pravakṣyāmi na satyaṃ tava bhāṣaṇam | yathā jātistathā tvāṃ ca jānāmi hi vanecara
ارجن نے کہا—سن، اے بھِلّ! میں کہتا ہوں، تیری بات سچ نہیں۔ جیسی تیری پیدائش اور قوم ہے ویسا ہی تو ہے؛ اے جنگل کے رہنے والے، میں تجھے جانتا ہوں۔
Arjuna
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
FAQs
The verse highlights discernment (viveka) in dharmic life: Arjuna rejects untruth and identifies conduct aligned with one’s tendencies. In a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, it points to the need for inner purification—moving from instinct-driven behavior toward truth and disciplined virtue that makes the mind fit for Shiva-bhakti and grace.
Though the verse is narrative and not a direct ritual instruction, it supports the ethical foundation required for Saguna Shiva worship: satya (truth), self-control, and clarity. In Shiva Purana framing, outward worship of the Linga bears fruit when supported by truthful speech and purified intention.
The immediate takeaway is the discipline of satya-vrata (a vow of truthfulness) and speech-restraint. As a Shaiva practice, one may pair this with daily japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating truthful awareness before worship.